Day 2...

After sleeping half the day away to find the reaction consuming my body, I really hope I'm not allergic to anything super delicious.

Welcome 2010!

After starting this blog exactly a year ago, less than twenty entries have been posted after 365 days. Quite a sad rate of production if I might say. So it's another year and another opportunity to start afresh. I'll try to remember to start modest and work my way up. Big plans always get me all twisted up. Let's say in general the goal for the year is to do more. Whether it be reading, writing, watching movies, or anything, to just be more active. Thinking is great and while I really rock at it, sitting in a chair fidgeting with my hands, so much of it is just idle and doesn't amount to much. How about resolving this year to creating things and saving some of the reflection for later. That sketchbook of mine is awfully empty and most of it is just words. I confess I hadn't touched it since being home until a couple days ago. Another resolution I'll add is to remember the events of the new year with more clarity. 2009, you were great big fun blur. I spent most of you sleeping in class, thinking, hoping, and punctuated it with a couple of great trips. This year I'll record more life.

All right then, I've probably spent a bit too much time writing this (more than it would seem at least) so I'm off to read. I'm 1/6 through The Fountainhead and want to finish before school starts back up.

Smelly dog got a bath today.

Chickens and bunnies are so cute they've got to be friends

Sometimes when no one is around, I'll laugh out loud for no reason just to hear the sound. It feels good.

Everything is architecture

I'm praying this is the semester architecture "clicks" for me. I'm nervous because I have the feeling it might just happen. After six weeks of the semester and beating around the bush a little bit, this project is beginning to get me really excited.

Architecture 100B design goals

Fall semester started today and I'm feeling pretty excited for it. I'm going to be studying under the course coordinator for once, so Keith will be my instructor. First short assignment is due Monday so we're diving in pretty quickly. Having some loose goals last semester was helpful in guiding some personal progress so I'm going to outline a few for 100B.

1. Be inspired.

Research, consume, and digest as much information as possible. Develop a strong base of knowledge of what is out there and what is current. Explore more real, physical architecture and visit sites around San Francisco and the rest of the bay. Figure out what ultimately interests me and what I want to pursue.

2. Have an opinion.

Not just observe what others have done but study their work and be critical. Take a stance and make your own ideas about things. Consider other possibilities.

3. Take risks.

Less "safe" architecture, more exploration. You don't need to know what you're doing to do it. Abstract more and be willing to push things past what's comfortable.

4. Think graphically.

More drawings and less words in the sketchbook. Develop a stronger personal style and language. Improve skills with design software and presentation.

5. Look ahead.

Create portfolio quality work and update it often. Study firms from around the bay and their work. GREs and internships.

Penguin Great Ideas

A preview of Series 4 of Penguin's Great Ideas books from the Book Cover Archive (which is a great site and resource). The Great Ideas series has some amazing cover designs though I only own one personally. Utilizing a clean look, great type, and selective colors, the series showcases a wide range of styles and designs while still creating a cohesive collection. Did I mention I love the colored spines? I've seen this book on the history of Penguin's covers at Moe's plenty of times. I need to get my hands on it soon.

via Book Cover Archive

Hearst Memorial Mining Building